Abstract: A method of configuring a storage device for recording video data from a plurality of video sources comprising the steps of providing a list of parameters that control settings of the plurality of video sources that affect the amount of video data that will be provided by a video source from the plurality of video sources, allowing a user to select a parameter from the list, allowing the user to change the selected parameter, determining the effect of changing the selected parameter on the amount of video storage available; and providing the user with feedback concerning the effect of changing the selected parameter.

Abstract: A method of displaying a timeline of recorded video comprising the steps of dividing the recorded video into timespans, providing a thumbnail and a timestamp for each timespan that has recorded video, providing a gap and a timestamp between thumbnails for each timespan in which there is no recorded video, displaying a first timeline containing the provided thumbnails and timestamps and the provided gaps and timestamps having an uncompressed format, receiving user input requesting that the first timeline be compressed, removing the gaps and their respective timestamps from the first timeline and moving the thumbnails and their timestamps located on either side of the gaps so that the thumbnails on either side of the gaps are adjacent to provide a compressed timeline, and displaying the compressed timeline.

Abstract: A method of displaying a timeline of recorded video comprising the steps of dividing the recorded video into timespans, providing a thumbnail and a timestamp for each timespan that has recorded video, providing a gap and a timestamp between thumbnails for each timespan in which there is no recorded video, displaying a first timeline containing the provided thumbnails and timestamps and the provided gaps and timestamps having an uncompressed format, receiving user input requesting that the first timeline be compressed, removing the gaps and their respective timestamps from the first timeline and moving the thumbnails and their timestamps located on either side of the gaps so that the thumbnails on either side of the gaps are adjacent to provide a compressed timeline, and displaying the compressed timeline.

Abstract: A method of configuring a storage device for recording video data from a plurality of video sources comprising the steps of providing a list of parameters that control settings of the plurality of video sources that affect the amount of video data that will be provided by a video source from the plurality of video sources, allowing a user to select a parameter from the list, allowing the user to change the selected parameter, determining the effect of changing the selected parameter on the amount of video storage available; and providing the user with feedback concerning the effect of changing the selected parameter.